Jack-O-Lantern - n. (jak-uh-lan-tern), A hollowed pumpkin with openings cut to represent human eyes, nose, and mouth with a light inside.

Another fall post! I'll keep doing it until we've worn it out. We picked tonight for the night to carve the pumpkins from this last weekend. You learn pretty quick living in the South that you can't carve your pumpkins as early as you do in Minnesota, they get all wrinkly and go bad pretty quick when they don't freeze. It's also nice using little battery powered tea-lights instead of candles, less worry, no burning smell and they last much longer. I ended up carving three pumpkins, I'm not sure how...to be fair Caleb helped me finish the last one while I put the boys to bed (AND he broke off part of the letter 'B' on 'BOO', but I won't hold it against him). It was a fun evening and I think Xander (and Caleb!) enjoyed himself, I know I did.
Me and Jones before bedtime, he's such a cutie, it's hard not to constantly kiss those cheeks!
Is that Caleb or Tim Richmond in that vintage Folgers racing t-shirt???
Xander drawing the face on his first pumpkin. He was super cute when I asked him what shape he'd like the eyes, 'Octagons!' Yikes, I had to figure that one out, never cut octagons before...
All set up at the kitchen table.
My little man with his finished product.
Octagon eyes glowing bright!
The finished products! The bottom two are Xander's creations, art directing of course, the other pumpkin had to have a mustache, ha, and my pumpkin in the middle with the ghost and Caleb's big one on the top step.
Keaton even stopped by to say hi and see the 'Pumpkin Heads', I think that's what he calls jack-o-lanterns. We are excited to have Keaton (and family) back in town. We missed them all too much while they were away.

Catch-Up - n. (kach-uhp), An effort to reach or pass a norm, esp. after a period of delay.

I'm awful at blogging, we know this already. So, let's just skip past all the obligatory apologies and just get to it. I love fall and everything that comes with it. Our weekends are packed full of outdoor activities and I can't get enough. This last weekend was full of fall splendor, including the Balloon Festival, the pumpkin patch and DosXX Most Interesting Show. Enjoy.
The Most Interesting Show has the best VIP lounge, Mac's catering included. Don't mind if I do.
I think Johnny V. has something for Caleb.
Little Xander enjoying some time on the pumpkins.
Xander holding his not-so-little brother at the local pumpkin farmer's market.
My boys, growing up too fast.
I knew X would love the hot air balloons and I was right, he was a big fan.
Me and my awesome husband.

Friend - noun. A person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.

I am WAY behind on July updates, it's becoming somewhat of a habit. I'm in the process of moving some pictures to my laptop so hopefully I'll be able to get a bunch of posts done soon. We had a nice weekend and a nice night out with good friends last night. Here are just a couple of the shots. If you want to be cool, party in NoDa.
Caleb and pretty Elizabeth.
Uncle Spiderman telling some great story. I can tell it's great because his hand says so much.
This is a very nice picture of Auntie Anna to make up for all the awful pictures that Caleb posts of her. We stopped to see her at work before joining everyone else at Solstice.
An old forestry service hat that Caleb found on one of his 'treasure hunts'. It's a very small hat and so far I'm the only one it happens to fit.
Hanging at the bar at Solstice.
We honestly could NOT handle the music that was playing at the bar, so Misha and Nod sunk a good $20 to play the right music. I think their list finally started right before Caleb and I had to leave to get the kids.
Xander is already getting to be a great driver. He knows all the correct directions to get home from Mimi's house, (it's a block, but still...).

Top - noun. The highest or loftiest point or part of anything; apex; summit.

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Freedom - noun. free-dom, the absence of ceremony or reserve. A liberty taken.

I know, I'm behind in my blogging, I've got a lot to catch up. We'll start with the 4th of July. Lot's of food, I think I ate ALL day, friends and family. I tried my best to dress the boys in the colors, Xander's shirt is my favorite. We also spent about $150 on Target fireworks (the kind that don't fly, we'd definitely hurt ourselves). The pictures do the best explaining...
Little Xander riding his big boy car over to Misha's in his new fly boots, a little big for him still but way too cute for his own good.
Papa, showing little nugget how it's done.
You can't stop this kid from eating fruit, especially any kind of mellon, he's like his Papa when it comes to fruit, they can't get enough.
Corn off the cob, I'm not sure if he's ever seen it this way. I said, 'Want some corn?' and he replied, 'That's not corn!' One taste is all it took, he was sold.
Anna, showing us real badmiNton (we made sure to pronounce the 'n' all day) form.
Censored for those involved.
Bubbles AND suckers?!? This has to be his new favorite holiday...not to mention...
FIREWORKS! We set off a couple for Xander and Keaton who were going to bed early...still pretty cool. Xander doesn't like loud things but sure wanted more when it was over.
Sparkle dance.
We were so amazed at the fireworks!
Jonah and Anna were equally unimpressed.
The fire-starter, my booski.
Anna put on a GREAT half-time fireworks show.

Simply put a great holiday...although next year I'm determined to find a parade, do they not do 4th of July parades in the South?

Bliss - noun. Supreme happiness; utter joy or contentment: wedded bliss.

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending my best friends wedding. It ended up being a pretty long day because my cousin Anna and I drove to Atlanta from Charlotte and then ended up driving back to Charlotte that same night, yikes. Thankfully the ride home went faster, without traffic and inclement weather. Mary looked beautiful and it was great seeing her whole family together, the Allen clan certainly are wonderful people and I love seeing them in action. I snapped as many pictures as I could the short time that I was there. I'm definitely planning on many trips to Atlanta while Mary is still living there.
Blushing bride.
The happy couple.
Apparently Mary and I can't take a normal picture. There was one where she was pulling my hair and I made a terrible face and another where I completely covered her face with my hands. I chose this picture because I look better than her...ha, it's funny because it's true. And by the way, I just want to mention that I am currently very tan, (you'll notice my beach trip in my last post) it just goes to show that Mary will always be tanner than me.
Auntie Anna and Baby JoJo hanging out at the reception. Thank God Anna drove with me!
That kid will eat anything.
The couple intro.
A beautiful set-up.
Watching the service.
This was before I left Charlotte to drive to Atlanta (the drive there took almost 5 hours where the ride back was only about 3 1/2). I was upset that we couldn't all go as a family, but I got over it, like I always do!